tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698Thu, 24 May 2018 07:42:08 +0000booksmoiflotsam and jetsamCakeson motherhoodtravelMcHottyToronto the Goodthe homesteadfilmblogherreviewsroflSherwoodfuck merofl awardsbhabloggingmotoronto the badmetro mamahttp://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (metro mama)Blogger508125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-1795918348715673272Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:29:00 +00002012-12-31T10:30:21.142-05:00Happy New Year!I've just celebrated a milestone birthday surrounded by people I love. This past decade has been amazing--I can't believe how different my thirties were from my twenties. And so much better in a thousand ways.<br /><br />Feeling very, very lucky.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dIyxGTlYTY/UOGvNdrhuzI/AAAAAAAABc0/1VeYLL4zS34/s1600/xmas2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dIyxGTlYTY/UOGvNdrhuzI/AAAAAAAABc0/1VeYLL4zS34/s320/xmas2012.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2012/12/happy-new-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-1689571947889996163Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:47:00 +00002011-11-23T14:50:39.194-05:00Long Overdue Update!I can’t seem to update this blog anymore, yet I just can’t quit it! I am going to try to update a little more frequently, just to keep my toes in the water. <br /><br />To update you: we are all doing great. Cakes continues to be a little firecracker. She is currently obsessed with Kate Middleton. Observe her Halloween costume!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mPqK5X2uH0/Ts1OB-f1VrI/AAAAAAAABcY/Kbb3LGTgOBc/s1600/jane%2Bhalloween.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mPqK5X2uH0/Ts1OB-f1VrI/AAAAAAAABcY/Kbb3LGTgOBc/s320/jane%2Bhalloween.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678280501047416498" /></a><br /><br />Sherwood is awesome. He’s my sweet little boy. There’s just something about a little boy—it’s indescribable. He turned two in July. Can you believe it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--inOJZd4zVc/Ts1ON0PpYVI/AAAAAAAABck/IGfwEbeYst8/s1600/owenbday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--inOJZd4zVc/Ts1ON0PpYVI/AAAAAAAABck/IGfwEbeYst8/s320/owenbday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678280704453599570" /></a><br /><br />McHotty is great, and as hot as ever. Work is very interesting. I’ve been working on the eBook side for about a year now, and it’s never a dull moment. A few months ago I moved to a different publishing house, with a much bigger digital team. It’s been a smooth transition, and I’m having a ball.<br /><br />Next update will be much sooner, I promise!http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2011/11/long-overdue-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-8097325987882183823Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:55:00 +00002010-11-01T14:58:28.044-04:00Happy Hallowe'en!Bah! There's never any time to update this poor neglected blog. I can tell you that things are really well. Work is going VERY well. And I always have time to post a couple of cute Hallowe'en photos....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TM8Nvc-VxSI/AAAAAAAABcE/Dy9Ft9hX9_c/s1600/DSC01905+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TM8Nvc-VxSI/AAAAAAAABcE/Dy9Ft9hX9_c/s320/DSC01905+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534657575944308002" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TM8Nmsz8xsI/AAAAAAAABb8/43DZeszmtsw/s1600/DSC01908+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TM8Nmsz8xsI/AAAAAAAABb8/43DZeszmtsw/s320/DSC01908+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534657425576871618" /></a>http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/11/happy-halloween.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-2146521010360800252Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:24:00 +00002010-08-08T13:27:39.932-04:00One<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TF7o-bvlWmI/AAAAAAAABbk/HI1-BvEGJVo/s1600/DSC01451+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TF7o-bvlWmI/AAAAAAAABbk/HI1-BvEGJVo/s320/DSC01451+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503091953990195810" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TF7o2y32_tI/AAAAAAAABbc/_ARU0Oi5Plg/s1600/DSC01463+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TF7o2y32_tI/AAAAAAAABbc/_ARU0Oi5Plg/s320/DSC01463+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503091822759968466" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TF7otoyiIdI/AAAAAAAABbU/cOvKmVVv8C0/s1600/DSC01437+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/TF7otoyiIdI/AAAAAAAABbU/cOvKmVVv8C0/s320/DSC01437+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503091665434452434" /></a><br />Sherwood turned one on July 29. How did this happen so quickly?http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/08/one.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-8857177890064721012Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:52:00 +00002010-07-05T15:54:49.610-04:00Separation AnxietyWow, over a month since I’ve posted here. I’m not keeping up very well. I’ve been managing to post at my <a href="http://readplayblog.com/">book blog</a> about once per week, and I’m contributing to a <a href="http://blogs.todaysparent.com/category/onemorebook/">new book blog at Today’s Parent</a> now. But poor Metro Mama blog is getting dusty.<br /><br />I always come back here when I’m angsty though, and this time is no exception. The good news is that my employer is sending me on a fabulous course in Vancouver: Simon Fraser’s two-week <a href="http://www.ccsp.sfu.ca/pubworks/BookPublishing">Book Publishing Immersion</a> program. The course has an excellent reputation, and work is covering all of my expenses, so it is very, very good news. The bad news is that I’m leaving Sunday, and I’m still in the process of weaning Sherwood. Also, he’s still sleeping in our bed. We’ve been trying to make the move to the crib, but it is not going well (I had about two hours sleep last night). McHotty will be looking after him most of the time I’m gone, but he returns to work for two days, and the grandparents will be taking over. They are not prepared to co-sleep. So the pressure’s on. Any tips for me?<br /><br />I’m actually starting to feel a little sick about leaving him. Unlike his big sister, he is a real mama’s boy. Cakes never seemed to have much trouble separating, but he sticks to me like glue. He’s not going to be happy; nor am I.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/07/separation-anxiety.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-3945748367593133567Thu, 27 May 2010 13:54:00 +00002010-05-27T10:19:41.516-04:00CakesFive<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S_5_as0wWbI/AAAAAAAABbM/NwYsnXEUf8w/s1600/DSC01076+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S_5_as0wWbI/AAAAAAAABbM/NwYsnXEUf8w/s320/DSC01076+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475954293614860722" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S_5-VbB35DI/AAAAAAAABbE/zcNvsArIzCc/s1600/DSC01078+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S_5-VbB35DI/AAAAAAAABbE/zcNvsArIzCc/s320/DSC01078+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475953103427068978" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S_55qDeMsHI/AAAAAAAABa8/jl4EwKcKkWc/s1600/DSC01087+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S_55qDeMsHI/AAAAAAAABa8/jl4EwKcKkWc/s320/DSC01087+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475947960322535538" /></a>http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/05/five.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-6268518779407422799Wed, 19 May 2010 16:00:00 +00002010-05-19T12:01:16.516-04:00CakesNow With Less Whine!I don’t like to leave my whiny posts up for long without top-posting with something positive, so here it is.<br /><br />There is a lot that’s good about five. Cakes is over the moon about her birthday. Birthdays are everything to 5-year-old girls, aren’t they! She has been planning her party for months: the guest list, the décor, the food, all of it. Her excitement’s contagious.<br /><br />As for behavior, five is a big milestone. Cakes is a ‘spirited’ child and three and four were sometimes pretty challenging. But I see a new maturity in her now. She’s helpful, empathetic, loving and kind. She doesn’t always do what she’s told, but it helps if I explain a logical reason for doing something (I was exactly the same way) (still am, actually).<br /><br />As for McHotty spending more time with her, that has been terrific for both of them. He is a magnificent father. Last night Sherwood and I joined in on story time. She didn’t want me to read to her, but requested one of McHotty’s original stories. As we listened raptly, he narrated “The Princess Pirates.” Here’s a recap: the Pirate Princesses were sailing in the sea one day when along came the Nasty Scary Pirates who fired their cannon at them. The Princess Pirates were not scared, and immediately loaded up their cannon. They have better aim, and a better ship, so their cannon hit the Nasty Scaries and their ship started sinking. The Princesses pulled up to the Scaries, stole all of their treasure, and gave them a lifeboat. Then they took the treasure to the island village and they all had a big party with cupcakes, fizzy water, party cheese and strawberry shortcake.<br /><br />Speaking of parties, I will post some pics after Saturday’s big bash. And I will be happy and enjoy my beautiful little girl.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/05/now-with-less-whine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4060345100734715537Tue, 18 May 2010 18:36:00 +00002010-05-18T14:38:05.287-04:00CakesNot My Baby AnymoreThis past year has been a blur: a blur of new baby, long hours of nursing, and now breathtakingly busy days since I’ve returned to work. During this crazy haze, something important has snuck up on me, and now it’s weighing heavily: Baby Cakes is turning five tomorrow, and I’m sad.<br /><br />I’m really, really sad, and I never expected it. I felt a few twinges when she turned four last year, but nothing like this. I kinda feel like I’ve lost a year with her. Our way of coping with the new addition to our family was for me to predominantly care for the baby, and McHotty took Cakes most of the time. I missed a lot of bedtime stories, and now I feel guilty.<br /><br />I know there are a lot of great things about five. Life is a lot easier, we have wonderful conversations together, she is lots and lots of fun. But she will never be my baby again, and each month she needs me less and less. Since the first five years went this fast, I’m already dreading the day I will look at the calendar and realize she’s turning ten, then fifteen. <br /><br />They say the days are long and the years are short, and man is that true. Tonight I’ll put a smile on my face and bake cupcakes with my girl, and read her extra stories before bed. I’ll be smiling on the outside, but inside I’m sobbing.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/05/not-my-baby-anymore.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-1754245017523091891Tue, 11 May 2010 16:43:00 +00002010-05-11T12:54:49.008-04:00reviewsMetro Reco: C'mon Papa by Ryan Knighton<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S-mJWlNn34I/AAAAAAAABa0/bXCZmlwMvpc/s1600/cmon+papa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S-mJWlNn34I/AAAAAAAABa0/bXCZmlwMvpc/s320/cmon+papa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470054243457556354" /></a>These days everyone knows that being a parent is hard. If we don’t know it from personal experience, there are plenty of blogs and memoirs out there to tell us so. We get it. But imagine being a blind parent. In his memoir, <a href="http://www.booklounge.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307396693&ref=externallink_rpb_cmonpapa"><em>C’mon Papa: Dispatches from a Dad in the Dark</em></a> Ryan Knighton candidly explains what it’s like: challenging, frustrating, terrifying, but also joyous, just like it is for parents who see.<br /><br />From the moment of conception, everything is harder for a blind parent. But you have to make it work. Knighton describes his frustration at not being able to see the ultrasound, and then the magic upon hearing his baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Even learning about being a parent is harder. He wanted to read up on parenting, but there were few audio books available. Fortunately, it turned out this wasn’t a problem. He had a friend help him by reading some parenting books for dads. After hearing some of the inane advice, Knighton was glad he couldn’t see: “I was already blind, I didn’t need to become an idiot too.”<br /><br />There is so much in the book I can relate to--especially thinking back to when I had my first child--the sleep deprivation, the anxiety, and inability to relax. Like Knighton, I remember pouring a much needed Guiness at the end of the day, scarcely able to enjoy it while hovering around the baby monitor turned as high as it will go, twitching at every sound. But it’s his frank descriptions of fear that stir me the most. He describes going for a walk with infant Tess strapped to his chest, trying to anticipate a million hazards, and narrowly avoiding being hit by an inattentive SUV driver. Once Tess begins to walk there are new horrors—he describes her toddling away outside, silent in the snow. I lost my daughter briefly at Winners once. Five minutes of looking for a child feels like hours for someone who can see, let alone someone who is depending on her answering his calls. There are few things more terrifying, I think. <br /><br />Along with fear, Knighton tackles another subject most of us can identify with: the minefield that is parenting with a partner. Trusting your partner and sharing responsibility is no easy task, and it is no different for Knighton and his partner Tracy. But, unlike many women I know, Tracy gives Knighton the trust and responsibility he needs to become a real hands-on father. I am in awe of both of them. <br /><br /><em>C’mon Papa</em> is inspiring, honest, funny and irreverent without falling into the “bad parent” shtick that is so overused these days. No one is a perfect parent; we want to do the best we can. But as Knighton shows, kids are resilient and flexible, and sometimes the best thing we can do is follow their lead.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/05/metro-reco-c.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4757772861314555846Sat, 08 May 2010 23:16:00 +00002010-05-08T19:19:11.908-04:00CakesHigh Time<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S-XxHj-F5HI/AAAAAAAABas/66wN8qF0Ylk/s1600/DSC01038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S-XxHj-F5HI/AAAAAAAABas/66wN8qF0Ylk/s320/DSC01038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469042434728387698" /></a>Best Mother's Day present ever? A little lady at the table for tea. She did me proud today.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/05/high-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-952807815860007526Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:24:00 +00002010-04-22T13:27:07.996-04:00moiNot Enough HoursHow did nearly three weeks go by already? That is insane. I’m still loving being back at work, except for the sad fact that there really, really aren’t enough hours in the day. The fam is doing great—they miss me, but they’re fine. Cakes is actually a lot sweeter to me than usual, and I’ve been coming home to lovely new art with my name on it, and big hugs.<br /><br />I started riding my bike to work this week! What a revelation. I’m here in twenty minutes, and it’s such a great way to start the day. I’m still a big awkward—I almost ran over a jogger the other day. Plus I need some gear: I had elastic bands around my ankles the other day when I wore extra long pants. I felt really hardcore last night when I rode home in the rain. Yes, biking to work rocks, and I highly recommend it. <br /><br />Sherwood is a joy, but we have to get the dude out of our bed. This week he’s been waking me at least three times each night, sometimes just to cuddle. And he’s so close to crawling, he can’t be left alone in our bed anymore. Summer is coming, and I want to be able to put him down and head to the backyard with my vino!<br /><br />Speaking of outdoors, I think the garden is going to be spectacular this year. I love the Spring; it holds so much promise. I will post a pic soon.<br /><br />In the meantime, here’s a recent pic of Sherwood. Isn’t he delish?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S9CGpfAj5xI/AAAAAAAABak/oqiAcnip_aY/s1600/DSC00958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S9CGpfAj5xI/AAAAAAAABak/oqiAcnip_aY/s320/DSC00958.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463014395257022226" /></a>http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/04/not-enough-hours.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4831315453542662927Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:43:00 +00002010-04-01T22:51:59.725-04:00moiBack in the Real World<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S7VaJewG2YI/AAAAAAAABac/ZcJd8otRwts/s1600/back-to-work.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S7VaJewG2YI/AAAAAAAABac/ZcJd8otRwts/s320/back-to-work.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455365642549385602" /></a><br />We did it! We survived my first day back to work. In fact, it went really, really well. McHotty was a rock star (no surprise). I called at noon and all was well, and again at four, and things were still cool, allowing me to go for a beer with the publicists (oh, did it taste sweet). Sherwood has never taken a bottle, but McH has him drinking breastmilk out of a cup now, and he loves his solids. He was fine (but glad to see me when I walked in the door). Cakes didn’t even notice I was gone.<br /><br />I loved being back. My timing was good—just in time for sales conference, where we talk about the books we’re pubbing in the fall. There’s lots to be excited about—new Romeo Dallaire, Ami McKay, Sara Gruen, Robert Wiersema, and Camilla Gibb just to name a few. Very exciting stuff. And now a long weekend to recover from it all. Next week, Yann Martel will be in town. I’ll try to get a pic of us together.<br /><br />Happy Easter, everyone!http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/04/back-in-real-world.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-6185368923306582680Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:19:00 +00002010-03-24T23:21:45.955-04:00moiNew SheriffWould you believe I go back to work in just a week? Sherwood is 8 months on Monday, and my first day is April 1. McHotty is all set for me to pass the torch. I overheard him telling Cakes today, “there’s a new sheriff in town.” Ha.<br /><br />It’s funny, he’s remarkably relaxed about these changes. He usually is pretty zen though. I’m getting anxious. I am definitely ready to go back to work, but I’m feeling a little guilt. It’s not like I’m going back to a job where I save lives or anything. It does feel a little self-indulgent to go back early when I don’t have to. But I will be a happier person, I’ll be home early every day, and I think it will be a great experience for McH. I have no reservations about his ability to take over, and do it well.<br /><br />I am concerned about a few logistical issues, mostly concerning breastfeeding. I’m going to have to pump at work, and I’ll need to borrow someone’s office (there are two possibilities but both occupants usually eat at their desks). It’s going to be a pain in the ass. Also, Sherwood’s currently sleeping late, so I’ll need to wake him to nurse before I go out. But I’m sure it will all sort itself out. He’s eating solids now, so we can soon cut out breast milk during the workday. Does anyone know how long it will take until I can nurse before and after work without getting painfully engorged in between?<br /><br />I will confess, I am really looking forward to a few simple pleasures: dressing up a little, walking to work, lunch at St. Lawrence market, quiet morning coffee. These little things will allow me to enjoy the time I spend at home a lot more. And get this—I’ve promised my family I will spend much less time on the home computer starting next week. I’ve been pretty bad at setting boundaries during my mat leave, and I plan to do better once I’m on the computer all day at work. Of course, I will take a few minutes for occasional updates here. But please, slap me if you catch me tweeting from the bathroom in two weeks, ‘kay?http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-sheriff.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-7025814053333283707Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:01:00 +00002010-03-11T22:02:52.316-05:00moiSpotlighted!Check it out—I’m on the <a href="http://books.torontoist.com/2010/03/litblog-spotlight-read-play-blog/">Torontoist</a>! <br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://twitter.com/booksin140">Erin Balser</a> for the interview.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/03/spotlighted.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-7979149574517500377Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:25:00 +00002010-03-08T22:27:53.009-05:00Sunny Days<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S5W__et5rYI/AAAAAAAABaU/7MMwM4rLO-U/s1600-h/DSC00872.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S5W__et5rYI/AAAAAAAABaU/7MMwM4rLO-U/s320/DSC00872.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446470421672734082" /></a><br /><br />Isn't life better once the temp rises above ten degrees?http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/03/sunny-days.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-880140833734238078Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:43:00 +00002010-02-28T20:46:10.336-05:00CakesHappy to ReportCakes brought home her first report card on Friday. I opened it as soon as we got through the door, with both anticipation and trepidation. I don’t know why the trepidation, because (no surprise) it’s all good. Some of it makes me laugh, like “Cakes prefers undirected activities to directed ones,” but it is all very positive and reassuring. It’s crazy, just when I think I can’t get more proud of her, I do. Just like that, she’s gone from a baby to a bright, creative, sociable, kind, vibrant little person, and I’m in awe of her.<br /><br />I read every word of her report card out loud to her, and it’s awesome to see how proud she is of herself. Her dad was on shift Friday; he got home Saturday morning, and as soon as he walked in the door she was waving it at him for him to read. You’ve never seen a prouder papa.<br /><br />Speaking of pride, aren’t you proud of our Olympians? Cakes and I watched the game tonight, and man that was something special. Though she didn’t quite get why someone had to win. “I want them to both win,” she declares. What a gal.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-to-report.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4137655070083506847Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:53:00 +00002010-02-13T22:55:44.214-05:00A List in Lieu of Something ThoughtfulWow, I find myself with a glass of wine and a precious free hour and I don’t know what to do. I’m not up to writing a book review tonight, and I desperately need to write something here, but I don’t really have anything I’m itching to spill. I do have a few small things though, that don’t warrant their own posts:<br /><br />1. Wasn’t it fun watching the opening ceremonies last night with Twitter? How did we watch these marathon television events before we could snipe away during the boring bits. I may have to watch the Oscars this year too.<br /><br />2. Seriously though, there weren’t that many boring bits. I thought it was pretty well done. My highlight, for sure, was kd lang singing Hallelujah. I turned off Twitter and sat back and enjoyed.<br /><br />3. Weren’t you dying when the fourth phallus wouldn’t rise?<br /><br />4. Is anyone else watching Survivor Heroes vs. Villains? I am for the first time in five years. I can’t resist Boston Rob! Love him. Also glad to see Tom, Stephanie and Colby back. Who is your money on?<br /><br />5. I go back to work in six weeks, and I need to update my wardrobe. What are your essentials? Where are your favourite places to shop? What is the must have for spring?<br /><br />6. What can I do with my almost five-year-old girl that I will enjoy too? With the baby who never stops nursing, I haven’t been spending enough time with Cakes, and I need to remedy that.<br /><br />7. For those who co-slept, when did you kick the baby out of your bed? Any tips for me? I’m starting to get a little weary of waking up with four inches of space.<br /><br />8. I just signed up for zip.ca. What movies or shows should I put on my list?http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/02/list-in-lieu-of-something-thoughtful.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4273187212412585743Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:44:00 +00002010-02-01T09:46:43.340-05:00booksReading FrenzyFurther to the post below, another reason I’m loving nursing: I have the perfect excuse to read for hours each day. I read a total of fourteen books in January! I’ve also been managing to blog pretty regularly over at <a href="http://readplayblog.posterous.com/">Read, Play, Blog</a>, so there are some new book recommendations over there is you’re so inclined. I’m also keeping a list on the sidebar over there of everything I read.<br /><br />Before my nightstand pile gets low--do you have any recommendations for me?http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/02/reading-frenzy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-3526877341236350141Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:01:00 +00002010-01-26T16:59:57.579-05:00SherwoodBreast Is Best (For Me)<em>Update: I have just realized there is some new breastfeeding controversy going on. Don't know the details (and don't care to) but honestly, I didn't time this post to capitalize on it!</em><br /><br />Sherwood will be six months on the 29th. Isn’t that crazy? The dude is twenty pounds (!), with fat thighs that you have to squeeze, and cheeks like apples that I chomp on while he pulls my hair and giggles. He likes to sit with us while we eat dinner. His jaw hangs open and he drools, and it’s hard to hold him on your lap while you eat anymore as he swipes at your fork and tries to yank your placemat off the table.<br /><br />The boy is ready for solids. I’ve purchased cereal, new dishes, cutlery, bibs and all the accoutrements I can justify. I have no reason not to start, but I keep putting it off, even though he is starting to nurse every two hours again. The thing is, I love nursing him. Each week he feeds a little faster and I don’t want to give up any of this precious time.<br /><br />I’m amazed I’ve reached this point. <a href="http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2009/08/labour-of-love.html">Breastfeeding was hell at first</a>; I didn’t think it would ever be easy, let alone pleasurable. But it is. I can feel the endorphins flowing when he suckles. We’re relaxed, and it is such an intimate, sensual feeling—I’m not a good enough writer to do it justice.<br /><br />I had such a different experience with Cakes. She never nursed. At six months, we had her going to her own bed at 7 pm sharp. She never slept with us. Sherwood wrangled his way into our bed months ago, and I just can’t kick him out. He wakes up once during the night, but there is nothing easier than nursing him, half asleep, then curling up around him again. And it makes my day to start it by waking to a little pat on the cheek from a chubby hand, and a beautiful, beaming smile from my amazing boy.<br /><br />A few months ago I was bemoaning the fact that he wouldn’t take a bottle, and I couldn’t get away from him for very long at a time. Now I don’t want to let him go.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S15baSZz8uI/AAAAAAAABaM/qEnvBfN4poQ/s1600-h/DSC00768+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/S15baSZz8uI/AAAAAAAABaM/qEnvBfN4poQ/s320/DSC00768+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430878707830223586" /></a><br /><br /><em>If you’re coming here because you googled something like “breastfeeding problems” or “breastfeeding is hard” (as I did six months ago) you’re not alone. It’s incredibly hard at first, but it really, really is worth it. Stick with it, not because of pressure to breastfeed, but for selfish reasons. Did I mention I'm eating cake every day and still losing weight?</em>http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/01/breast-is-best-for-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-1823483027405589958Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:38:00 +00002010-01-21T09:39:29.117-05:00Childcare Dilemma Solved!Sherwood will be six months on the 29th. Can you believe it? (There is a big post on him coming soon. He is all kinds of awesome). I’m still planning to go back to work on April 1, and McHotty will stay home for three months. We’re going to juggle vacation time to look after the kids in July and August. <br /><br />I know it’s a long time before I need to worry about childcare, but I’m one of those people who plans things ridiculously far in advance. I had looked into daycare for two kids and I just about died—it would pretty much eat up my entire take-home pay. So I’m overjoyed that we’ve found the ideal solution. I’ve gotten to know my neighbour who lives two doors away. She has a girl who is less than a year younger than Cakes, and a baby girl who is just three months older than Sherwood. She mentioned she was thinking of doing a home daycare, but wasn’t sure if she wanted that much work. We only need someone about 10 days per month. How perfect is that!<br /><br />I’m so thrilled to have this settled, and what an ideal situation. I really like my neighbour, each child will have a playmate, and I won’t be working for nothing. Plus, the morning drop off will be a hell of a lot easier (the two girls will both be in half-day kindergarten).<br /><br />*Huge sigh of relief*http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/01/childcare-dilemma-solved.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-8393094090004877103Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +00002010-01-17T23:52:13.671-05:00HopeIt’s been an emotional week around here. Like everyone else, we’re deeply saddened by what’s happening in Haiti. My husband's been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. He belongs to an emergency team that is specially trained to rescue people in an urban environment. He’s spent many weekends training for the team, and wants nothing more than to put his skills to good use. Last Thursday they were put on standby to go to Haiti. It was pretty scary, but he was so eager to go, and I was so proud. After a day or so pacing around the house and jumping each time the phone rang, he learned they would not be going after all. The airport is jammed and the U.N. or the U.S. (whoever is running the show) is prioritizing who can come. This team does not come with their own security, and it seems this is a factor. Whatever the reasons, it's a terrible shame, and it was quite the blow.<br /><br />Coincidentally, I had prearranged plans to see Dr. James Orbinski speak at the <a href="http://www.heliconianclub.org/ ">Heliconian</a> Club last week. Dr. Orbinski is the author of <a href="http://www.booklounge.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385660709"><em>An Imperfect Offering</em></a> (a book everyone should read) and he was the International President of Médecins sans Frontières in 1999 when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was in charge of the MSF mission during the Rwandan genocide. He has witnessed the most horrendous crimes against humanity. He’s literally seen streets running with human blood. Yet, what is so incredible and inspiring is that he remains hopeful. He has seen the worst, but he’s also seen people do the most extraordinary things. He’s seen a father carry a son (the sole survivor of his murdered family, the rest cut down with machetes) hundreds of kilometres on his back, only to lose him a few days later (despite his loss the father waited to thank the doctor for his help). He has many, many stories like this one. He’s witnessed courage, dignity, compassion and generosity under incomprehensible conditions. What also keeps him hopeful, he explains, is that we have the means to make a choice how we live our lives. We can do what we believe to be just.<br /><br />Dr. Orbinski finished his talk by explaining hope versus optimism. Optimism is the belief that things will turn out right based on evidence. Hope is based on certainty that a given action is right, regardless of how it turns out. If you engage with the world in a hopeful manner, over and over, you contribute to creating the conditions for optimism.<br /><br />How can you help? Give. Due to the extraordinary generosity of Canadians, MSF’s website has been overwhelmed. But you can click <a href="http://msf.ca/">here</a> to access their donation portal directly. Please consider giving to this amazing organization that is doing such brave, hopeful work in Haiti right now.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/01/hope.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-6514267630701224110Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:08:00 +00002010-01-06T23:13:23.290-05:00moiNew Decade, New BlogWhen I decide to do something, I don’t waste time. The new blog is up! It’s called Read, Play, Blog and you can find it <a href="http://readplayblog.com/">here</a>. I’ve copied over the last few book posts, and there’s a new review of our current book club pick, Annabel Lyon’s marvellous <em>The Golden Mean</em>.<br /><br />Speaking of our book club, there is an online component to the club and anyone is welcome to join in our discussions. You can find us <a href="http://tdotbloggers.ning.com/">here</a>. It’s shits and giggles! If you're on Twitter, we try to tag book club tweets with #tdbbc.<br /><br />I still plan to keep this blog along with the new one. The new space is more professional, but this place is where I can curse and ask you for advice. And by the way, thanks for all of your support and advice over the past few years. It has helped me so very much.<br /><br />One last thing….sorry if old posts are popping up in your readers. I’m fixing some broken links. Will be done tonight.http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-decade-new-blog.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4393682695268373691Sun, 03 Jan 2010 04:18:00 +00002010-01-02T23:21:20.988-05:00moiShameless Self PromotionI’m quoted on two national sites this week! First, the inimitable <a href="http://bookmadam.com/">Julie Wilson</a> spoke with me about my wonderful <a href="http://tdotbloggers.ning.com/">book club</a> over at CBC Books. See it <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/books/MT/2009/12/julie-chats-with-our-featured-book-club-the-t-dot-blogger-book-club.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Second, the National Post has an excellent piece on the best books and the biggest publishing stories of the decade (I’m quoted at the end). Check it out <a href="http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/afterword/archive/2010/01/02/the-national-post-s-best-books-of-the-decade.aspx">here</a>.<br /><br />Sweet, no?<br /><br />In other news, I’ve been giving my online identity a lot of thought. I’ve been trying to avoid having more than one blog, but it’s just not working. I want to give myself the freedom to say what I want here, and I still want a place to talk about motherhood when I need it. But I want to do more blogging about books, and I think, for the most part, the two audiences are very different. So I’m working on a fresh new space to begin the new decade. I’ll have a link for you in the next week or so. Hope some of you will find your way there!http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2010/01/shameless-self-promotion.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-4352821324721315424Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:02:00 +00002010-01-02T00:12:52.018-05:00DecadeAs the aughts come to a close on my birthday, I can’t help but reflect on the last ten years. I’m kinda nervous about the coming decade, because in the last one I’ve gotten everything I want, and how do you top that?<br /><br />In the year 2000 I decided to go back to school. I did my undergrad, then my masters, then I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life: work in Publishing. And then I was lucky to actually get a job! I moved into a home in a neighbourhood I love, just before prices went out of reach; I have wonderful friends and neighbours, and most importantly, I have these folks:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/Sz0SFfkI8SI/AAAAAAAABZw/S9qGmMAtn3M/s1600-h/DSC00636.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/Sz0SFfkI8SI/AAAAAAAABZw/S9qGmMAtn3M/s320/DSC00636.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421509412005671202" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, tonight I am making just one resolution: to be grateful every day.<br /><br />Happy New Year, everyone!http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2009/12/decade.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28627698.post-8338585174918286227Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:18:00 +00002009-12-27T22:26:28.236-05:00booksBest Books of the Aughts2010. Wow. One resolution I really must keep this year is to keep a reading journal. I seriously read over a hundred books last year, but I mislaid my journal before the end of January. Actually, I never even wrote in the damn journal, but had stuffed in it a napkin on which I’d scrawled a few notes about the books I read on our vacation. <br /><br />So I can’t do a braggy post where I list all of the books I read last year. But I can do a list of my favourite books of the past decade. I actually put one together weeks ago to submit to the National Post. It came together pretty quickly, and I tried to keep the agonizing to a minimum. I’m sure I’m forgetting something brilliant, but oh well. Here are my five favourite books of the aughts:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/SzGdTz3Z-dI/AAAAAAAABZg/mPq9LrlVLoA/s1600-h/life+of+pi.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/SzGdTz3Z-dI/AAAAAAAABZg/mPq9LrlVLoA/s200/life+of+pi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418284790369090002" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/SzGdJXFk8PI/AAAAAAAABZQ/CMQpS1DfaU0/s1600-h/aughts.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lv6u7xOSh08/SzGdJXFk8PI/AAAAAAAABZQ/CMQpS1DfaU0/s200/aughts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418284610845208818" /></a><br />1. Runaway by Alice Munro<br />2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy<br />3. Life of Pi by Yann Martel<br />4. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden<br />5. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann<br /><br /><br />Well, what d'ya think? What would you add to my list?http://riverdalemama.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-books-of-aughts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (metro mama)2